Deus Sex Machina
At risk of sounding like a pervert... I think this was unironically great. Of course, it is essentially just softcore(?) porn, but what it lacks in plot it makes up for with pure aesthetics and visuals. I think it's best to approach it as erotic performance art more than anything, and the actors really sell their roles. There is even a pretty interesting narrative if you squint, but the real entertainment value comes from the pure absurdity of it all. I say by the 2nd episode you should know if it clicks for you or notWas this review helpful to you?
Single location thrills and silliness
This is a fun and engaging mystery/suspense BL drama. Despite 90% of the story taking place inside the same house I never felt bored with the plot development and cliffhangers. Sometimes things feel a bit silly with how many poor decisions are made, but that's part of what made it so fun. Characters are compelling and well-played by the actors. With that said I expected a tad bit more from the LITBC director. I just feel like the 8 25-minute episode format wasn't the best choice for this kind of story, but they probably just made do with a lower budget. Overall still an enjoyable watch, and I really hope to see more BL thrillers.Was this review helpful to you?
Love from first principle
This is a highschool rom-com about first/young love that is as pure love story as it gets, which normally wouldn't be my thing but here it just works. It helps that all the characters are really cute and endearing, and the cast really captures the awkwardness and anxieties of having a crush as a teenager, especially Michieda Shunsuke as Aoki. Much of this felt like watching newborn fawns stumble their way into love for better or worse. Personally I hoped for a bit more development in Aoki and Ida's relationship after 10 episodes as many other series do more with less, but I think this is still well worth a watch for all the cute and silly moments. I think a S2 that explores the next stage of the characters' relationships could be really great.Was this review helpful to you?
Good, zany fun
This was a really entertaining watch! I think JBL is best at these ridiculous premises, in this case rivals-to-lovers on steroids, and this was elevated by perfectly cast leads and a fun OST. Sato Yusuke is quickly becoming one of my favorite BL actors, and I love how he played a completely different role from his character in Mr Unlucky. Admittedly my excitement waned a bit in the later episodes as the story loses steam, but there was still solid chemistry throughout. The intimacy was also very well-done. Overall Fake Fact Lips is just a good old time, and I hope to see more JBL series like it.Was this review helpful to you?
Sleeper hit
I rarely write reviews but The Bangkok Boy really surprised me. A must-watch for fans of action BL I say, especially if you're on the lookout for more plot-driven dramas that just so happen to be BL. Admittedly it's a bit of a rough start but at least give it a couple episodes to hook you. This is definitely a testament for casting more unknown actors because there were so many great performances here, and I really grew to care about the characters. While the romance elements definitely take more of a backseat to all the action, the leads have good chemistry and the rest of the plot is still good enough to carry the story.Overall, great cast with very solid performances, lots of surprisingly well-choreographed fights, and an exciting, unique plot. My fingers are crossed for S2.
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Don't get the hype
I really wish I could see what everyone else sees in this show. Even by BL drama standards this feels poorly conceived... but the good parts are good enough that I'd say I still enjoyed it overall.First off I think 24 episodes was just way too much. By the 20th the plots went from wacky to downright nonsensical and I just stopped caring about the plot. With tighter pacing and/or less episodes I'd probably give it at least a 7.
The pairings are pretty cute but I hate the way the sex and consent (or lack thereof) was handled. Like it'd be one thing if it started toxic then turned sweet, but it feels like Chi Cheng never stopped being a manipulative weirdo. How they didn't break up after he literally threatened to rape Suo Wei's best friend is beyond me.
I will say I still liked the characters overall thanks to the actors. Though once someone pointed out how the mics pick up on every single little sound/breath they make I couldn't stop hearing it.
Ultimately if this was a show that came out 10 or even 5 years ago I feel like I could've really liked it, but for 2025 it feels painfully dated.
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